04-07-2007, 05:14 AM
Asalamu Alaikum
The following was taken from a booklet on the Rights and Duties of Women in Islam by Abdul Ghaffar Hasan. I just typed some parts of it.
Hijab:
The wives of the Prophet (saws) were models for all women and were regarded as the Mothers of all believers. If they could only be addressed from behind a curtain in order to avoid any temptation or impropriety, how much more then is such a curtain necessary for ordinary women who can be a much greater source of temptation? It is also clear from the time of the Prophet (saws) that the Companions did not treat this Verse as referring only to the Prophet's wives but applied it to their women as well, with the complete approval of the Prophet (saws).
Islam wishes to establish a pure society in which there is no room even for adultery of the eye. Free-mixing between the sexes is forbidden, men and women are advised to marry at a young age so that they can fulfill their desires lawfully, and all are told to "lower their gazes" in public so that the eye may not be used as an instrument of Satan. By observing Hijab, the woman's dignity and decency is safegurarded. Her attire makes clear that she is not an object for sale, advertising her beauty and availabilty for men's lusting eyes and wolf whistles. We need little reminder of the immoral society around us today in which the sexes mingle wearing indecent clothes, and adultery is only frowned upon if committed after being married. Before marriage indidviudals are encouraged to try different partners, and the unfaithfulness, the misery, the jealousy and the insecurties which can take place are a necessay result of such a life style. The Muslim may well feel safe and secure within the Islamic moral and dress code, but they are often imitating too much of the Non-Muslims behavior of complacency.
I also thought this was important to share because so many are under the assumption that women are oppressed and not treated equally to men.
Worth of Women in Islam:
The Prophet's narrations speak of women with praise and respect. He (saws) once said:
"The world and all things in it are precious and the most precious thing in the world is a virtuous woman." (Ahmad and Muslim)
"Shall i not inform you about the best treasure a man can have? It is a virtuous woman who pleases him when he looks at her, who obeys him when he commends her, and who guards herself when he is absent from her."
"Made beloved to me from your world are women and perfume, and the coolness of my eyes is in prayer." (Ahmiad and An-Nasa'i)
Equality of Men and Women:
Islam makes no distinction between man and women. Both have a soul, both were created for the same purpose in life, both will be judged by the All-Mighty, and both will be rewarded or punished according to their individual actions. Whenever the Quraan mentions those fortunate beings who will enter the Gardens of Bliss because of their piety and good deeds, it mentions men and women together.
"and whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female, and is a true believer, such will enter Paradise and not the least injustice, even to the size of a Naqira (speck on the back of a date stone), will be done to them." (V. 4:124).
Take care of urselves and deen
Salam
